Undergraduate collaborative research is highlighted in many university initiatives; how-ever there is a lack of exemplars in disciplines that do not employ the scientific method. “Pop Music Reviews” was an attempt to forge a template for Women’s and Gender Stud-ies. This paper presents a description of the pilot project and provides qualitative assess-ments by the first- and second-year students, fourth-year teaching assistant (TA), refer-ence librarian, and professor. Together, the appraisals indicate that there are two different but equally necessary components for a successful collaborative research endeavour: the structural setting and the social and emotional environment. In both these components, there were weaknesses in the areas of planning and background training. Yet, the benefits as perceived through the experiences of the various participants were significant. Report-ed gains included increased understanding of research processes and applications, en-hanced critical thinking skills, expanded disciplinary knowledge, improved student moti-vation and confidence, greater interest in graduate studies, and the fostering of collegial interactions and mentoring.